Best Western signs hotel in Erbil, Iraq

Best Western International has signed a deal for its first hotel in Iraq, the Best Western Premier Erbil.

The property is owned by Golden Mountains Company and construction of the 160-room hotel is scheduled to begin in September this year.

Best Western is the latest in a series of international hotel operators to announce plans for expansion in Iraq.

Millennium & Copthorne have seven hotels planned in the country, Shaza Hotels will run a hotel in Karbala being developed by Range Hospitality and Rotana already operates a five-star property in Erbil.

Best Western International’s vice president international operations – Asia & the Middle East, Glenn de Souza, said there were several reasons why the company was keen to have a flag in Iraq.

“There are many positive points which have triggered the interest of Best Western in Iraq for its next step of brand expansion. Compared to other countries in the region, Iraq holds good promise when considering the economy, the people, the salaries and financial resources,” said De Souza.

“It is a promising destination that holds vast potential as both a major business centre and a fascinating tourism spot. With Best Western Premier Erbil Hotel, the destination will benefit from the global sales and marketing reach, revenue generation and promotional power enjoyed by Best Western” he added.

The hotel’s facilities will include a restaurant, lobby lounge, spa, meeting and conference facilities and a casino.

Best Western Premier Erbil, located to the recently built international airport, is due to open in the second quarter of 2014.